4 Tips for Upgrading Your Multi-Housing Laundry Room

Whether your communal laundry room needs a full overhaul or a few small updates, follow our tips to transform it into a space with appeal and functionality. An on-site laundry room is often considered an essential amenity for a multi-housing facility or hotel, and with the right approach, you can create a space that appeals to and attracts potential tenants and guests. This renovation guide includes practical tips to help you update your multi-housing or guest laundry room with style and function.

1. Understand Your Tenants’ Needs

Before beginning any renovations, evaluate your communal laundry room through your tenants’ eyes. What are the pain points caused by the space, its layout, or the existing equipment? Whether it’s cramped quarters or outdated machines, you’ll want to know what residents wish would change before you even begin planning updates. Conduct a quick survey or hold a focus group to gather information that can help you during the process.

Think also about the implications of closing your multi-housing laundry room for renovations. Schedule with contractors, technicians, and other experts to complete the updates in the shortest time period possible, and come up with contingency plans for unexpected disruptions or delays. What alternatives will you offer your residents who have come to expect the convenience of on-site laundry? If you have more than one facility across your property, stagger updates so residents can still access laundry facilities when needed. A credit to a local laundromat to be redeemed during the time of closure may be a way to placate residents who are frustrated by the inconvenience.

2. Equip for Efficiency and Convenience: Choosing the Right Commercial Laundry Machines

Invest in high-efficiency washers and dryers that are both user-friendly and budget-conscious. Small chassis machines feature a compact design that makes them ideal for facilities with limited space, a common challenge for multi-housing and guest laundries. Consult with a commercial laundry equipment expert to choose machines that cater to your available footprint and the average wash load size for your property: Install larger capacity multi-housing laundry equipment if your building houses families or large groups, and smaller machines if your residents are primarily singles. 

Residents and guests crave convenient and eco-friendly features—think quick cycles, more efficient drying, and reduced water usage—so let these needs dictate which equipment you choose. Install multi-housing laundry equipment from reputable brands (such as LG) that are known for creating reliable, long-lasting products, and implement card-based payment systems instead of traditional vended options so residents can do their laundry even when they don’t have cash on hand. The look of communal laundry equipment is also important; sleek designs and attractive finishes that complement your aesthetic help contribute to the space’s overall visual appeal.

Think Beyond Machines When Equipping a Multi-Housing Laundry Space

Multi-housing laundry equipment isn’t all you’ll need to outfit a fully functional space for your residents. Folding tables, ironing boards, and utility sinks are essential amenities that make it easier for guests and tenants to complete their laundry-related tasks. Shelving can help display and keep track of things like missing socks, while storage cabinets make it easy for managers to hide—and find—essential tools for cleaning or maintenance. Install a bulletin board or digital display that enables you to easily broadcast messages, such as operating hours, upcoming maintenance, or relevant promotions and events for the property.

3. Don’t Skimp on Design: Creating a Clean, Welcoming Multi-Housing Laundry Room 

Simply swapping out equipment is not enough to transform a laundry room from an outdated, unappealing space into a functional selling point for current and potential tenants. Consider these communal laundry design tips to create a facility that looks great and functions well:

• Instead of basic linoleum or concrete flooring, install durable, easy-to-clean options such as luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Bonus points for textured surfaces that hide inevitable laundry spills—we’re big fans of faux-hardwood designs that create an elevated, on-trend yet timeless aesthetic. 
• Fresh paint can be a game-changer. Choose light, airy colors that bounce light and create a sense of spaciousness, even in small, cramped rooms or basement facilities that don’t have windows. 
• Residents will need to be able to spot stains or match socks when sorting laundry. so you want to choose lighting that lets them see well. Install bright, energy-efficient LED fixtures, and consider task lighting over utility sinks or workspaces for ironing and folding.
• Make a small or windowless communal laundry room feel larger and brighter with strategically placed mirrors that reflect the light and artificially extend the space.
• Add personality with pops of color, comfortable seating, wall decor (consider highlighting local artists) and even plants, artificial or otherwise, that make this shared space feel more homey.

4. Prioritize Clear Communication About Communal Laundry Updates & Changes

Prioritize internal and external communication once your multi-housing laundry room renovations are complete. Before and during changes, strategic communication is essential for setting expectations, addressing concerns, and providing updates in a timely manner. After the project is complete, communication with residents and the community will help make the project a success. Provide ample documentation about how to operate upgraded equipment, any new rules and regulations that may be in place, and any applicable price increases or changes to operating hours. 

Hire a professional photographer to document the new look of your space. In the short term, post before-and-after photos to social media to engage residents and the community in the conversation about changes at your facility. Any “after” photos that are taken become excellent assets for your website and marketing materials, as a well-equipped, attractive multi-housing laundry facility will be a major selling point for prospective tenants. 

The days of dingy communal laundry rooms are long gone, with clean, modern spaces becoming the norm in an attempt to attract potential tenants, retain existing residents, and please guests. When you work with a WSD Laundry Equipment Expert to revamp your space, you’ll enjoy the benefit of more than half a century of commercial laundry expertise and have access to some of the best equipment in the industry. Contact us today to start the process.